ANT joins FUNA global technology powerhouse

Emden, Germany, 18 May 2010 -- FUNA International Group (FUNA), a global design, engineering, integration and consulting firm for maritime and land-based projects, announced that Advanced New Technologies Ltd (ANT) a leading UK-based superyacht integration company, has joined the FUNA International Group of companies. The combination provides a greater capacity to deliver specialized consulting, design, engineering, fabrication, installation, programming, training, commissioning and after sales support to clients in the superyacht, high-end residential and cruise ship markets across the globe.

FUNA and ANT foresee that both companies' clients will benefit from the increased purchasing power and greater resources, including significant engineering and CAD capabilities and a wider global footprint. The combined resources will now include over 200 highly trained staff members operating out of 10 offices located in 8 countries throughout Europe and North America.

“FUNA is delighted to have ANT join our group as it will enable us to expand and develop even further globally,” said Rex Stull, President FUNA International. “We pride ourselves on delivering the very best service and technology to our customers. Having a leading superyacht integrator such as ANT onboard with its long history of successful and high profile projects is a significant addition to our skill set.”

“The decision to come together was born from both ANT and FUNA recognising the need for it,” comments Steve Puckering, CEO, ANT. “This joint approach makes us capable of integrating and delivering an expanded array of technologies to the cruise ship and superyacht industries, ranging from West End and Broadway-caliber theatre installations, to the most modern entertainment, lighting, fire detection and communications systems available.”

Both companies have recently been awarded a number of significant contracts across their range of services including some significant new-build and refit projects which will now directly benefit from this joining of forces. Many of these contracts are for repeat customers and involve the largest and most complex vessels in both the cruise ship and superyacht arenas.

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About FUNA

FUNA International Group (www.funa.com ) is a global design, engineering, integration and consulting firm founded in 1972 and based in Emden, Germany. FUNA has over 37 years of experience integrating a variety of complex systems encompassing projects from airports to wind turbines. The company is well established in maritime projects – vessels of all types including cruise ships and superyachts – but also serves a variety of land-based developments. During FUNA's long history they have successfully completed over 150 cruise ship projects including 8 of the 10 largest cruise ships as well as four of the largest superyachts in the world. Their client list includes Royal Caribbean International, Princess Cruises and Disney Cruises Lines among others. FUNA is certified ISO 9001 compliant in Germany and Finland and is in the process of receiving certification in the United States.

The FUNA Group encompasses:

FUNA International – The premier cruise ship integrator in the world / in business for 37 years / completed over 150 new-build and refit projects / responsible for 8 of the 10 largest cruise ships in the world, including Oasis of the Seas (Royal Caribbean).

FUNA Nachrichtentechnik – A systems integrator based in Germany that specializes in land-based projects for corporate, government and commercial clients.

FUNA Global Safety Systems – A global company specializing in the integration of safety technology for wind turbines, ocean platforms and other specialized marine projects.

Advanced New Technologies Ltd (ANT) has over 22 years expertise helping design, specify, install, and support technology-based entertainment, automation, IT, security, navigation and communications systems to shipyards, yacht owners, and property developers. Each system is tailored to meet custom specifications, providing clients with unparalleled service and support throughout the entire design, build and maintenance phases. The company offers a worldwide service from its UK offices, as well as through its centres in Holland, France and Germany.

For more information visit Advanced New Technologies website at www.a-n-t.net or call on +44 (0) 870 873 9700.